Barberry Root Bark (Berberis Vulgaris)

In traditional folk medicine, Barberry root has been used to reduce fever, improve appetite, relieve upset stomach and promote vigor as well as a sense of wellbeing. The plant has played a major role in herbal medicine for over 2500 years. Today, it is the most widely used herbal extract for kidney pain and the removal of kidney stones. European herbalists have used it to treat liver and gallbladder ailments. It has been used for inflammation, high blood pressure, and abnormal uterine bleeding. Barberry Root has been touted for helping the urinary and digestive tracts, the skin, and even the mind. Studies suggest the extracts of the Barberry root can stabilize heart disorders, such as rapid heartbeat and ventricular fibrillation. Barberry Root contains an alkaloid, Berbamine, that helps reduce inflammation and it has been found to be useful in treating hepatitis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is known for promoting the flow of bile in the liver and acts as a laxative. Barberry Root Bark herbal extract has also been used for treating problems with the spleen. The main ingredient in Barberry herbal tincture contains berberine, a known antibacterial, astringent and anesthetic. The astringent properties also work well to control diarrhea. Barberry has been used for hypertension and nervous system disorders like epilepsy and convulsions. Barberry may assist in the treatment of anemia, hangover, heartburn, gout, vaginitis, pink eye, gallstones, and malaria. Barberry is typically provided as an extract, or tincture, which can alleviate nasal congestion, sinusitis, and other respiratory issues. Barberry is also suggested as a remedy for skin and vaginal yeast infections.

Native Americans used it to treat jaundice, other healing traditions also recommend its use to control diabetes and hepatitis. Barberry root is an effective liver cleanser, due to its ability to correct liver function and promote bile flow. A potent liver herbal tonic, Barberry helps to detoxify, tone and stimulate the liver. Containing alkaloids such as berberine, the root bark helps fight infection and disease by killing organisms that cause symptoms such as dysentery, diarrhea, urinary tract infections and vaginal yeast infections while boosting the immune system. Barberry root bark tinctures are also used to treat gallstones, helping to remove them from the gallbladder and liver. It has also been indicated for renal colic and the treatment of renal calculi, where it is claimed to allay burning and soreness.

Barberry Root extract is effective against digestive problems and is said to be an effective and quick herbal remedy against intestinal blockages and diarrhea, including traveler's diarrhea, intestinal parasitic infections, and food poisoning. Barberry has been employed in the treatment of candidiasis (candida yeast) and may prevent symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn and nausea. Barberry Root helps to regulate the digestive process. It kills helicobacter pylori, a bacterium implicated in both ulcers and chronic gastritis, and has also been considered an excellent remedy for dyspepsia. It acts as a general bitter stomach tonic, regulating digestive powers, acting like a purgative and removing constipation.

It is also believed that Barberry root bark is an excellent hangover remedy. It stimulates the liver into action and helps eradicate a tension headache that often accompanies a hangover by expanding the blood vessels that are constricted by alcohol and thereby increasing blood circulation.

Barberry has been compared to Goldenseal and referred to as Oregon Grape (a similar herb) because they appear to share many of the same benefits. This is because these herbs contain berberine and some other potentially beneficial alkaloids, which have shown in research to help reduce inflammation and fight free radicals. Moreover, the berberine might help to reduce body weight.

In Alternative Medicine, Barberry has been used to treat colorectal cancer, liver cancer, strep throat, and toxic shock syndrome. It is thought to be effective for fighting bacterial infection, and even against some bacteria that have become antibiotic-resistant. It has shown activity against staph (Staphylococcus), strep (Streptococcus), salmonella, shigella and E-coli (Escherichia coli). If you have been taking antibiotics frequently because of the same infections over and over again, talk to your health provider about Barberry Root Bark as an alternative treatment. Resistance to antibiotics is rising and your body changes in response to antibiotics and the good bacteria which helps us fight infections is wiped out with the bad with regular antibiotics.

Barberry Root Bark liquid extract is helpful in for relieving rheumatism, arthritis, low- and mid-back pain, general joint and muscle aches in the arms and legs, sciatica and symptoms of gout. The main use of berberis is to treat kidney infections, especially when there is tenderness in the region of the kidneys. Berberis is helpful for treating kidney stones with severe, sharp, neuralgic or colicky pain radiating from the kidneys to the bladder and down the legs.

Barberry tends to dilate the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. It is also said that the herb may decrease the heart rate and slow one's breathing. Barberry has been used as a remedy for intermittent fevers and has a cooling effect on the body. Barberry root bark extract has been used as an alternative treatment for tachycardia and hypertension and some nervous disorders like epilepsy and convulsions.

As a topical antiseptic, Barberry root has been used to kill bacteria on the skin and has reduced the incidence of infection in first and second-degree burns. Barberry root bark tincture helps in the treatment of chronic skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, and chronic candidiasis (yeast infections) of the skin or vagina. It has been used as an eyewash for inflamed lids and conjunctivitis. It is has been found to be a very effective gargle for sore mouth and used with a mild lotion for lesions, boils, sores, acne and skin irritations.

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Instructions: Use 6-12 drops in juice or water, or under the tongue. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.

Contraindications: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Those who suffer from hyperthyroid conditions should not take Barberry. Vitamin B-6 can interfere with Barberry's antibiotic effects and should not be taken during the regimen. High doses (many times the directed amount) may cause depression, vomiting, lowered blood pressure and lowered heart rate, lethargy, nose bleed, skin and eye irritation and kidney irritation. It is recommended that Barberry should be taken for approximately two weeks with a break before beginning regimen again.

Disclaimer: The information presented herein by New Way Herbs is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own healthcare provider.